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Culinary & Pastry Arts

Melissa solan
​baking & pastry workforce specialist/ Special Events Coordinator

Experience: 15 years in education at CRTC; active in Skills USA:  National Education Team member and judge; prepared many students for state and national competitions 40 years in the hospitality industry, including restaurants of various styles and food service facilities
Education/Credentials: Received training at Culinary Institute of America, Johnson and Wales University, NE Culinary Institute: Teaching Certification; NRAEF-certified Servsafe Instructor
Other Interests: golf, cooking, skiing, beach time

Email: bmcintosh@sau8.org

Robert McIntosh
​Instructor

In our Culinary Arts program you will:
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  • Work side-by-side preparing dishes with professional chefs to produce the finest quality restaurant food.
  • Develop menus, produce savory meals and serve customers in our Crimson Cafe.
  • Design cakes and pastries from scratch.​
  • Expand your abilities using our professional equipment and cookware.
  • ​Establish the skills, work habits and confidence to succeed in the most respected local and national culinary post-secondary schools through ourProStart certified program.
  • ​Feel the pride and enjoyment of becoming a professional chef, one of the most widely respected and creative professions in the world.


Experience:  7 years experience in the baking and pastry industry including high-end style bakeries, and chocolate shops. 
Education/Credentials: Associate's degree in Baking and Pastry from The Culinary Institute of America. Certified in ServSafe. 
Other Interests: Hiking, kayaking, camping, and spending time with family and friends. 

​Email: msolan@sau8.org

STUDENTS LEARN>> 
Catering & Banquet Service, Cooking/Baking, Dining Room Guest Services, Food Safety & Sanitation, Operating Professional Equipment
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES>> 
Baker, Caterer, Chef, Dietician, Food Service Director, Prep Cook, Restaurant Manager/Owner, Short-Order Cook
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COLLEGE ALIGNMENT>> 
LRCC: LCUL1460 Bakery Production* 
LRCC: LHOS2160 Catering
LRCC: LCUL1510 Culinary Fundamentals*
LRCC: LCUL1520 Sanitation*
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CERTIFICATIONS>>
ProStart from National Restaurant Association, ServSafe from National Restaurant Association Education Foundation
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RECENT DATA:
in 2014/15 100% of students earned their ServSafe Certification.
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Students enrolled in 31 dual enrollment college courses in 2014/15.
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PARALLEL EXPECTATIONS>>
SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE COURSES: Algebra, Business Math
SUGGESTED SIMULTANEOUS COURSES: Chemistry, Technical Writing
CAREER HIGH VALUE SOFT SKILLS & ABILITIES: Proper Hygiene (defined by Board of Health), Professional Appearance, Physically Fit to Stand for Hours at a Time, Fine Motor Skills